Pendle

Would-be mugger from Brierfield tried to steal can

A ‘desperate’ drunk who tried to mug a dog walker in the early hours for his can of cider, has been spared jail.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Clifford Bamber, 28, had drunk three litres of cider when he attacked victim Jason Brown with dumbbells, trying to knock the alcohol out of his hand. But the victim ended up injured after the incident in Brierfield on July 2.

Bamber, said to be ‘effectively of good character,’ admitted attempted robbery. The defendant, of Wesley Street, Brierfield, was given 12 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with 18 months' supervision and an 18 month alcohol treatment requirement. He must pay £300 compensation.

The court heard how Bamber owned up on the basis he had no intention to injure Mr Brown, but accepted he did hurt him.